Last Saturday, the Townsville Senior Citizens Centre was buzzing with energy as 111 players across 15 teams battled it out at NQCC’s Trivia Night 2025. It was our biggest trivia night to date — and what a night it was!

The Queensland Government is currently consulting on a new Draft Provisional Land Use Plan (PLUP) for the Port Hinchinbrook Priority Development Area. This plan will shape how land and sea country around the Hinchinbrook Channel is used for years to come.

NQCC has lodged a detailed submission calling for much stronger environmental and cultural protections — because as it stands, the draft plan risks locking in the same problems that have caused decades of environmental damage in this sensitive area.

This is a critical moment, and your voice matters. Submissions are open now — and we’re asking our supporters to join us in speaking up.

Last Thursday night, almost 100 Townsville locals gathered at NQCC's Townsville Mayoral Forum (v2.0) to hear what our candidates had to say about Climate, Environment and Liveability. 

Having just recently returned from meetings, roundtables, workshops and an Alliance Convention in Meanjin/Brisbane, I am equal parts exhausted and inspired. 

There are remarkable, intelligent, compassionate and hard-working people all across this state who are dedicated to our natural world and protecting it in perpetuity. When we collaborate and put our strengths together, we are powerful - and I'm so privileged to get to see it in action!

What's even better is returning home to the (hot!) dry tropics and seeing NQCC's own remarkable community in action! 

As I prepare to hit the road for a short break, Luna is organising NQCC's upcoming Mayoral Candidates' Forum, which is shaping up to be an event not to be missed! If you can lend a hand or spare some cash to help bring it to life, I know it would be appreciated!

Thanks for all that you do. 

- Crystal, NQCC Coordinator

While most stalls at Get Ready Day at Riverway baked bravely in the sun, NQCC found itself in a rare paradise: a shady tree that became a beacon of relief for passers-by. Ironically, our theme was heat - one of the most underestimated and deadly natural hazards in Australia.

On a quiet Friday evening, our community came together for a special screening of The Way Out - a film that invites us to slow down, reflect, and rediscover what truly sustains us.

Hosted by the North Queensland Conservation Council (NQCC) and supported by Queensland Mental Health Week, the event offered a rare space to connect mindfulness and climate care - two things deeply intertwined in our collective wellbeing.

Around 20 locals gathered for our final Green Drinks of the year to hear from Diana Condylas of Plastic Free Townsville (Boomerang Alliance). It was an evening filled with important updates, practical ideas, and great conversation about how we can all help create a low-waste future - at home, in our workplaces, and across the community.

If big solar is in our future, how do we ensure our biodiversity is, too?

Last night, we jumped online with some experts to find out!

The Australian Government's National Climate Risk Assessment is a dire warning for Australian communities - particularly those of us in the North. A warming climate is set to impact our health services, infrastructure, workforce, schooling, insurance and vulnerable community members. We also know that several endemic species are on the brink, and entire ecosystems are at risk of collapse. 

So, what can be done about it?

This month, the Australian Government outlined our climate future scenarios with the release of their first National Climate Risk Assessment. If this had you feeling grief-stricken, angry or numb, you're not alone. The following week, they released a climate target that looks much like a balancing act between taking action and ensuring our country's biggest polluters can still turn a healthy profit. 

What can we do about it?

With North Queensland as a key region in our state's energy transition, we need to make sure we get renewables right - and we want your input! We also need to prioritise climate adaptation that harnesses the power of nature and the strengths of our community. Our open letter to decision-makers lays out our expectations - let us know ASAP if your organisation wants to sign on!

We also need to look after each other - and throughout October, Luna is leveraging our wonderful local networks to provide meaningful opportunities for connection, reflection and empowerment. 

With the support of a strong, renewed Management Committee and supporters like you, we remain hopeful for the future. Please enjoy the read.

- Crystal, NQCC Coordinator